Question such as how to become an effective teacher is one of the most arguable discussions amongst educators. This word means so much to our teachers nowadays. It is difficult to define the term effective in terms of teaching profession.
Probably most of us would say that effective teachers are those who have comprehensive knowledge of the subject they teach. They are always ready to learn more and develop their skills. They care about students as people. They respect their students and they provide them with everything they need. They make students learn from their mistakes. Being strict about mistakes or telling off students for making one will not prevent them from making it again. These are some characteristics that an ideal and effective teacher could be defined. But how can we say that she/he is truly effective?
According to Horace Mann, “A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron. Truly, the most influential people in this world are teachers. We deal most with the children every day compared to the time their parents spend with them. Most of the children believe more with what their teachers told them to do than with what their parents ask them to do. This is just a simple indication that we, teachers are very influential in the eyes of our children. Effective teachers can be defined in a manner that she/ he can deal with her every day lessons, teach those with so much energy, give quizzes and activities, but the question is will it be enough to say that you are truly effective educator? What this society needs nowadays are influential teachers. Influential in the sense that he/she can able to shape the students to become better individuals of this society and efficient to what they will become in the future. Influential teachers are the effective teachers because of the lessons, discussions and life-long learning she/he has extended to our children. That’s how simple an effective teacher can be defined. The result of being such will not be seen right away, you have to wait until somebody told you that she/ he is very successful and have strived to achieve his dream and aspiration to become someone today because of your words, wisdom and guidance when he/she was your student. This is a life changing experience for all of us teachers. Let us all, be Effective and Influential Teachers of this Generation!
By: EMY G. LAZATIN LUAKAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL-ANNEX
